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THORLA
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Tharlay Thorlay Thurloe Tharley Thorlla Thurly Tharly Thorley Thuriel Thirla Thorrel Thurril Thirill Thurlo Thurells Thirlo Thurlow Thurell Thorla Thurley Thirrel Therril
The following information is excerpted from SOME NEWBURY THURLOWS AND THEIR DESCENDANTS by Philip Sawyer Lacy, 1968.
The story of Richard Thorlay, this family's earliest American ancestor, begins in the little town of Rowley,
Essex County, Massachusetts.
Rowley was settled in 1639 by the Rev. Ezekiel Rogers and a small band of English immigrants hailing mainly from
Yorkshire, England. Landing in 1638 at Salem from the ship John of London, they moved to a coastal area between Ipswich,
on the south and Newbury on the north, both of these towns having been settled at an earlier date. Rowley received its
name by an act of General Court in 1639
The earlier settling of Newbury, adjacent to Rowley, was in accordance with the policy of the Bay Colony to occupy lands
further north along the coast, in order to take physical possession of territory to which France also held claim.
So that, in 1633 the General Court granted liberty to Mr. John Winthrop Jr. to set up a trading house upon the Merrrimac
River. The first of the permanent settlers of Newbury removed from Ipswich in the spring of 1635, and consisted of twenty
three men and their pastor. Sixteen vessels arrived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony within three months of this first
movement toward Newbury, and a large number of these immigrants came immediately to that settlement.
It should be realized that between the years of 1630 and 1643 thousands of immigrants arrived from England to settle in
the New England area. Charles M. Andrews in his "Colonial Period of American History" states that by 1642, 16,000 to
20,000 people had settled in the New England colonies, and, in addition to their coming, there were already living along
the New England shore many individuals and small groups of colonists who were remnants of previous unsuccessful attempts
at colonization, and descendants of early fishing folk, who decided to stay in America rather than return to England.
During this period, nearly two hundred ships left England for Massachusetts.
The shipping lists of a large proportion of these vessels which came from England have been lost or destroyed, and this
adds to the difficulty of establishing the dates of arrival of so many of the colonists.
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Richard was given two acres of land in the town of Rowley. The location of these two acres, and of his house which was built upon them are very well established. In the survey of Rowley, ordered Nov. 10, 1643, Richard Thorlay had "a house lott containeinge two acres on Weathersfield street, bounded on the West side by Mr. Edward Carltons house lott and on the South end by the streete".
These two acres did not comprise the total property owned by Richard. At various times were recorded new alotments of property made to him by the town, and in these various divisions, about nine in all, there were assigned to him a total of about 27 acres of meadow and marsh land.
At present no trace remains of Richard's house, nor of the house that was built on the site, about 1700 by Samuel Johnson, son of Capt. John Johnson who earlier bought the property from Richard. This last house was taken down in 1893.
At the court held at Ipswich Jan. 28, 1648, Rich Thorlay of Rowlye was made a freeman. This means that he was a member of a Congregational Church and had taken the freeman's oath of allegiance to the Crown, and was thereby entitled to vote.
On Dec. 1, 1651 Richard Thorlay sold his house lot in Rowley to Capt. John Johnson and removed to Newbury, a few miles north, on the north bank of the Parker River.
When John Clarke, the original owner of the property left Newbury in 1647 to live in Ipswich, he had made a recording of his Newbury property, as follows:
The following was recorded for Mr. John Clarke, late of Newbury, the 8th day of March, 1647:
"A farme granted to Mr. Clarke of 400 acres next to Mr. Sewalls; The bounds of Mrs. Clarke his fairme begin at the mouth of Carte creeke thence running easterly ten score rodd abutting on the Mayne river toward the South & thence it runs up sixteene score rodds into the country upon a line north & by west to two birchen trees marked, standing upon a bande of rocks, thence it runs in a straight line westerly ten score rodd to a marked tree on a mount & thence in a straight line east & by South to the mouth of Cart creeke againe taking in all the meadow on the east side of the Pine Swamp.
the 23rd of the 11th mo 1637"
The deed of sale of Dr. Clarke's property reads as follows: "December 1, 1651. John Clarke of Boston, Chirugeon, and Martha, his wife in consideratiin of the house they nnw occupy in Boston, and a certain lot of land adjoining, 'convey to Matthew Chaffey of Boston, shipwright, the farm of four hundred acres at Cart creeke in Newbury' "
On the same day, Matthew Chaffey of Boston, and Sarah, his wife, sold the farm 'with all the housings and buildings theron to Richard Thorlay of Newbury' ".
The price Richard paid for the property was 155 pounds.
With the purchase of this property Richard Thorlay became a freeholder, or proprietor. This means a person entitled by grant, purchase or inheritance to share in the common or undivided lands of Newbury. Frequent mention is made of the sale or purchase of freehold rights in the first volume of the Proprietors' Records of Newbury. On March, 1651 a committee was chosen, consisting of the selectmen, "three commissioners for small causes" and Richard Knight, to settle all claims arising from the sale or purchase of freehold rights. The committee reported:
"These persons heer under mentioned are acknowledged to be ffreeholders and to have an interest in all comons belonging to the Towne as having lawfully purchased theyr privileges from such as had the privileges estated to them by the Towne"
(The list of names includes Richard Thurlo from Mr. Clarke)
On April 1, 1652, a year after moving to Newbury, Richard Thorley sold to John Remington Jr., carpenter, "eight acres of land and a half" in Rowley, "lying in a plaine called the great Plaine, bounded on the south east side by the land of Francis Parrat and on the north west side by the land of William Acie the one end abutting within a rod of the fence, the other end upon a swamp."
Richard Thorlay served on the Jury of Trials at Ipswich on July 30, 1651, and on the Grand Jury at Ipswich on July 27, 1653. His Yankee business sense led him to capitalize on his location of the Parker River, and he built a bridge over it at the corner of his property. His name is perpetuated in the name of this bridge he built. There are many references to Thorlay's bridge in the court records of the day. To quote one of them:
"May 3, 1654. The General Court voted that Richard Thorlay having built a bridge, at his owne cost over Newbury River, hath liberty to take 2d. for every horse, cow, oxe or any other great cattle, as also one half peny a peece for every hogg, sheep or goat that shall pass over the s'd bridge, as long as he shall well & sufficyetly repayre & Mayntayne the same, pvided that passengers shal be free."
An amusing consequence of his building this bridge was the recording that in May 18, 1664, Samuel Plummer was granted liberty to "take one penny more than formerly for the passage of each person & each beast that he shall transport" (over the ferry at Oldtown) to compensate him for the loss of travel occasioned by the building of Thorlay's bridge over Parker River.
As originally built, the bridge's girders were squared tree trunks from virgin timber, its planking roughly hewn boarding. Today, in order to support modern loads, unobtrusive steel girders with concrete floor slab span the stream. But this modern work does not destroy the appearance of antiquity, and the rough stone abutments seem to be and could very well be the original bridge supports dating back over three hundred years.
As one overlooks the panorama of the bridge, the tortuous winding of the Parker River, tidal at this point, the wide stretches of marsh meadow flanking it on either side, it is easy to believe he is looking at a scene of centuries ago. The upland slopes of only a few feet in elevation, adjacent to the river and marsh land are no longer covered by the forest primeval, but the present growth of timber still satisfies the illusion.
In those days, communication between towns was by woodland path, or, at best, wagon tracks; and the time came when people petitioned the Court at Ipswich for the construction of a road from Rowley to Newburyport. After much debate in the court, with committees formed to investigate its best location, the route was decided in favor of a road passing over Richard Thorlay's bridge. All the debate over this route and an alternate route is contained in the records of the Ipswich Quarterly Courts, as was the occasional recording at later dates of repair work on both road and bridge.
Evidence that Richard had owned other property in Newbury is given in Ipswich Deeds. On May 1, 1662 Henry Sewall and wife Jane sold, among other parcels of real estate, to Samuel Worster of Salsbury, "100 acres of upland, lately purchased of Richard Thurley, butting on the Merrimac River....."
Court records from which we obtain so much knowledge of the life of the early colonists, show that he took a normally active part in the life of the community. He served as witness and as juror in the Ipswich Quarterly Courts.
That he had a servant on his farm is proven by the notice of the death in 1664 of James Parks, servant to Richard Tharley.
His three daughters, Mary, Lydia & Martha, all having left the home, were omitted in the division of his farm about ten years before his death, between his two sons, Francis and Thomas. This division, in which he retained for himself only a small portion, was recorded in minute detail in Ipswich Deeds. The dividing line between the portion acquired by Francis on the west and Thomas on the east, marked the eastern boundary of the Newbury portion of Byfield Parish when the parish was set off on Oct. 21, 1706.
He became a selectman of Newbury.
In his final will he divided the remainder of his property between his sons Francis and Thomas, his freehold to both sons, and to his son Francis, his right in Plumb Island, Rowley Division.
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In 1670 at the age of 48, ffrancis Thurley took the oath of allegiance in Newbury
In the list of expenses for the militia, in the court records, was included the amount given Fra. Thurla.
It was recorded that Francis Tharley was paid 1 li. 5s for repairing the bridge over the Newbury River.
In the tax list for 1688, ffranc Thurlo was taxed for 2 Heads (of family), 1 House, 18 (acres) plow lands, 10 meadow, 18 Pastr., 2 oxen, 2 cows, 1,2 yr old, 1,1 yr old, 10 sheep, 2 hoggs.
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All was not serene in his father's family, and we can assume that manners and customs were much rougher than at present. Law suits seemed to be an every day occurrence, and it is from court records that we get much of the information on the original settlers of Massachusetts. We have already read in the biography of Thomas' brother Francis, of how Thomas sued Francis for hitting him with a stone. This would hardly seem normal procedure at the present day, for two brothers, each about fifty years old.
He was called on at times in the Ipswich Quarterly Courts as a witness in law suits. Once, he and others were "severely admonished for fallacy and unwariness" by the court when testifying under oath. On March 26, 1667, Thomas brought suit against the town of Newbury for unpaid bounty in connection with the killing of seven wolves. He won the case. On Mar. 26, 1677, he undertook to pay off the fine of his brother-in-law, John Woolcott, who, for counseling to steal away a writing from Mr. Nelson was ordered to be whipped or pay a fine.
On Nov. 29, 1670 the Salem Quarterly Count allowed Thomas pay for the work he did about the county bridge. Salem Court, Nov. 24, 1674. Thomas Chadwick, aged about twenty six years deposed that Daniel Clarke agreed with Thomas Thorley to live with him as a servant for two years, and this was done of his own accord. Thomas Thorla testified the same.
In 1675 there was in interruption in his daily life. An entry in the "Diary of Sewall" (a neighbor of his), stated: "Two troopers pressed to go against the Indians: Noyes, Tho Thurrill".
As stated in New England Register, V 37,p.284-5, Thomas Tharly served in King Philip's War in Capt. Nicholas Paige's troop at Mount Hope. He was one of thirty five who were impressed for service. Quoting from the Register, "In June, 1675, Capt. Nicholas Paige was appointed captain of a troop to accompany Major Thomas Savage in the expedition to Mount Hope, took part in the movement there; accompanied the army to Narragansett and back, and then returned to Boston with Maj. Savage and disbanded his men, and there is no farther account of any service (of Capt. Paige) in the war".
"At the opening of the war the colonial militia was quite efficiently organized. Each county had its regiment of 'trained soldiers'.... The Essex regiment was of 13 Foot and one of Cavalry. These local companies were not sent on active service out of their towns, but men were impressed from the number and placed under officers appointed for special service by the council. Each company of Foot had a Captain, Lieutenant, Ensign, Clerk, Sergeants, Corporals and a Drummer. Cavalry had Cornett instead of Ensign, and a Trumpeter and Quartermaster. The pay of soldiers was 6s. per week, and 5s. was paid for their 'dyet'...."
"On the Mt. Hope expedition many used the Old Matchlock musket, the 'Regulation' weapon of that time, but it was soon discarded as not so serviceable as the Flintlock or 'Snaphance'. There were no bayonets in use, but each company had at first a number of Pikemen, soon found to be useless in an Indian fight. The 'Matchlock' was an exceedingly cumbrous affair, and was too long and heavy to fire at arms length, so that each soldier was obliged to carry a 'rest' (crotched staff pointed at the foot with iron and attached to his wrist by a string). No. 7 of the orders in musket drill, 'Elton's Tactics', was 'Put the string of your rest about your left wrist'. The Indians always used the Flintlock."
"The equipment of a foot soldier were a 'Snapsack', six feet of match or fuse, a Bandoleer, which was a leather belt passing over the right shoulder and under the left arm, and containing a dozen or more round boxes each holding one charge of powder; a bag of bullets, and a horn of priming powder was also attached to the belt"
Nov. 6, 1678. Ipswich Quarter Court. Judith Thula complained of for letting the Indians have liquor on the Lord's day was fined. Thomas Woodbridge aged about twenty nine years testified that he heard Judith wife of Tho. Thurla vainly swear by God divers times within a twelfth month. Sworn in Court. Thomas Woodbridge demanded 10s for his wife's witness fees.
Examination dated Aug. 28, 1678, of Job the Indian:
"That Judith bid the young man (who was John Thurley) looke out the runlett in w'ch the liquors was. that the sayd John having found it, brought it down & sett it on the dresser. That there was a gill of Rum first drunke before they had that mixed with water. That John powred the Rum into the basin & Judith stirringe it with a spoone, the half pint was powred into the water. That Judith fetched some suger, put it in & stirred it together & when it mixed, she tooke up some in a porringer. He thinks Tim Collins was not in the house, when the Rum was powred into the basin but was gone to look after the child, & came not in till they had done & Joseph & he were gone out; but John tarryed behind & he was appointed to pay for it but whether he payd for it or no, he knoweth not. That after they were gone out Tom and John quarrelled."
Timothy Collins and Judith Thurley testified that on a Sabbath day about three weeks ago, four Indians came into Thurley's house and asked for a drink and she denied it to them. John Thurley told Judith that if she would give him leave he would undertake to find it. He got it and put it on the dresser and said she might let them have some. She said she dared not and sat down again to reading. Thereupon John poured it into the half pint pot, set it on the table and the Indians drank it, etc. Sworn Aug 13, 1678 before Jo. Woodbridge, Commissisoner.
John Thurley, aged above eighteen years and Jonathan aged above sixteen years, deposed that they came in the house of their aunt Judith Thurley when one Indian came in and asked after Mr. Longfellow's (negro?) and went out and brought in three more who sat down and lighted their pipes. Judith told them that her husband had hidden the liquor and she could not find it. The Indians continuing to ask for it, she told Jonathan to look in the woodpile and speak to John to go up into the chamber to look in a butt of wheat. He found it behind the chimney and handed it to Judith who reaching a horn poured some of it out and the Indians drank. She then sent Timothy out of doors to look after the child. She refused to let the Indians have any more clear rum but they should have it mixed with water and brought some sugar out of the parlor. When they had drunk it all, Judith said to one who remained that she was afraid he would be fuddled but he said that if he should drink all day, he would not be fuddled. He took off his coat and left it there and went away. When John and Jonathan were going home they met the Indians quarreling and one of them came towards them with a hatchet. They not knowing what he said, one of the others came and told them that he wanted them to take the hatchet for fear someone might take it from him by force but they would not meddle with it. Two of the Indians went to the falls and the other two came toward the town. Sworn Aug. 16, 1678, before Jo. Woodbridge, commissioner.
May 4, 1680, Ipswich Q.Ct. Tho: Thuley, for excessive drinking is fined.
The Court having considered the agreement between Capt. Daniell Pearse and Henry Jaquis of the one part and Thomas Thurley on the other about the bridge, which was allowed by Salem Court, declared that said Thurley was to give diligent attention that no person be hindered or delayed in his passage more than is necessary for his coming from the house to the bridge, and if he did not he was to be called to account. Also no one was to be refused passage for want of ready money, especially of this county of Essex, if they would give just security for the payment.
May 4, 1680, Ipswich Q.Ct. Wheras Daniewell Clark agreed with Thomas Thorlle to serve him and he had served him the full time although Thorlle claimed he had not, said Clark left it to the court to determine.
Thomas was taxed in 1688, as follows: Thomas Thulo - 2 Heads, 4 Houses, 16 Plow Lands, 16 Meadow, 20 Pastr, 3 Horses, 4 Cows, 4 3yr olds, 2 2yr olds, 1 1yr old, 10 sheep, 1 hogg. This is a far cry from the original one half of four hundred acres given him by his father Richard. There is record made of a sale on May 14, 1690 by F. Thurlo and Thomas Thurlo, planters, to John Hale, house carpenter, lott no. 48 in upper woods, laid out to Mr. John Clarkes freehold. On Sept. 30, 1695 Thomas Thurloe sold to Edward Sargent, land bounded easterly on the Merrimack River and northerly on land of Hugh March, (his father-in-law) and Capt. John March. So that there is evidence that the family's dealings in real estate comprised more than the land in the original purchase by Richard Thorlay along the Parker River.
On Jan. 1701-2 he signed the petition presented to the inhabitants of the Town of Newbury, asking that a thousand acres of land might be granted and laid out to the soldiers who had served in the Indian Wars of 1675, 1676, and 1677. Small wonder, as he himself was impressed to serve in 1675.
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Document concerning the disposition of the estate of George. "Thomas Thorla, George Thorla, heirs to the Mary Thorla estate of our Hond. Father George Thorla, late of Newbury, deceased. Mother Mary to have her dower also 1/3 of Fruit of Appletrees for nine years to come. Wit. Samuel Robinson, John Pike.
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Massachusetts claimed jurisdiction of all lands west of the Merrimac River and continued its exercise of authority until the final establishment by royal commission in 1740, of the present state boundaries.
In 1732, John Coffin and eighty other citizens of Newbury petitioned the General Court of Mass. for a "grant of land situated on the west side of the Merrimack, adjoining the Penacook". (This area is now in New Hampshire). It was granted a tract of seven miles square, to be laid out by a surveyor.... The order was issued Dec. 8, 1732
On Oct. 9, 1733, Thomas Thorla and others were on a committee to set the new town of Contoocook up to best advantage, and to lay out the home lots. He was one of the Proprietors of the new town. He was one of the men who undertook to build certain mills in the plantation.
On Sept. 6, 1737, a second division of lots was made, and Thomas Thorla and four others were appointed to make it.
On May 16, 1740, John Brown, Thomas Thorla and Joseph Gerrish were appointed to a committee to lay out a highway through the town to Baker's town.
On Sept. 14, 1743, a third division of lots, 100 acres to each Proprietor, was made by a committee which included Thomas Thorla.
Thomas was a Selectman of Contoocook in 1796 and 1797.
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"Thomas Thurlo - Newburyport; Private, Lieut. John Brickett's troop of horse, which marched April 20, 1775 in response to the alarm of April 19, 1775, to headquarters at Cambridge; service 4 days; reported returned home."
"Thomas Thurlo - Corporal, Capt John Noyes' company, Col. Samuel Johnson's regt; entered service Aug. 14, 1777; discharged Nov. 30, 1777; service 3 mo. 28 days in Northern department, incl. 12 days (240 mi.) travel home."
"Thomas Thorla - Corporal, Capt. Stephen Jenkin's co., Capt Jacob Gerrish's regt; entered service Oct. 14, 1779; discharged Nov. 22; 1779; service, 1 mo. 20 days at Claverack, including travel (240 mi.) home; regiment detached from militia of Suffolk and Essex Cos. to reinforce army under Gen. Washington."
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In the name of God Amen. I Benjamin Thorla being of sound mind, memory and impressed with the great uncertainty of life and the certainty of death and being desirous of disposing of my temporal affairs so that after my death no contrition may arise relative to the same.
Therefore: I Benjamin Thorla of the County of Noble and state of Ohio, do make, ordain, publish and declare this my last will and testimate revoking all other wills by me heretofore made.
First; I bequeath my body to the dust whence it comes and my soul to God who gave it hoping for a happy immortality through the atoning merits of Our Lord Jesus Christ the Savior of the world. Secondly; That all my just debts to be paid out of my personal and real estate by my executor.
Thirdly; That I bequeath to my beloved wife all my property bouth personal and real her neacheral lifetime if she outlives me. Fourthly; -- my deth and my beloved wifes deth, I bequeath to my son Benton Thorla ----- all my property bouth personal and real, the real estate lying and being in Noble Township Noble County, Ohio, it being (180) one hundred and eighty acres, after paying my son Marshal Thorla (25) twenty five dollars and each one of my daughters fifty dollars.
First Malvina Willey fifty dollars, Emily Willey fifty dollars, Allas Willey fifty dollars, Della Parrish fifty dollars, Herat Sprigg fifty dollars, Elizabeth Smith fifty dollars and Safrona Patterson fifty dollars.
Fifthly; ---- it is my request that my son Benton Thorla stay on the farm with his mother that I reside on at this time, if she outlives me during her lifetime.
Lastly; I appoint my son Benton Thorla my whole and sole executor to this my last will and testement and direct that no security be required of him for the faithful execution and discharge of the trust hereby rep------ him.
The testimony whereof I have this 15th day of February one thousand eight hundred and fifty six hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal hereby revoking all wills heretofore made by me. Benjamin Thorla (seal)
And in the presence of
Oliver Keyser
George Burlingame
Be it remembered that at a term of the Probate Court in and for the county of Noble and state of Ohio, on the 12th day of July in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty one, this following journal entry was made, which ----- -----is in the w--- ---- figures following, to wit, This day the last will and testament of Benjamin Thorla late of Noble Township in Noble County, Ohio deceased was proclaimed in open court by Benton Thorla the executor in said will named and Oliver Keyser and George Burlingame subscribing witnesses to said will appeared and in open court on oath testified to the due execution of said will, which testimony was ------- to writing and by them respectfully subscribed and filed for the said will.
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Silas Thorla entered the land on which the village Olive now is and began salt making there in 1814. He had previously been in the Kanawa Salt Works where he had worked long enough to learn the process and earn a little money with which to make a beginning. At that time salt was worth $2.00 a bushel and the supply hitherto had been brought by the settlers on pack horses from a great distance. By means of a spring-pole and rude apparatus operated entirely by hand a well was dug about 200 feet deep. Its location was near the railroad at the north end of Olive close by the stream known as Salt Run. A deer-lick much frequented in early years led to the discovery of salt water. The well was cased with wood tubing, a pump put in and a blind horse as its motive power and the water was received in a number of troughs fashioned from the trunks of large trees. For boiling the water all the kettles in the settlement that could be spared by their owners were borrowed and put in use. The salt well was also a gas well, and oil well, and at times these products of the earth seriously interfered with the process of salt manufacturing. Robert McKee, who had first worked for Thorla, and afterwards married Thorla's sister and took an interest in the business, henceforth the establishment was known as McKee Salt Works.
Some of the Pennsylvania pioneers discovered oil while boring for salt. Such a discovery was made near Butler, PA in 1811. Though Noble County can scarcely substantiate the claim which has advanced to having the oldest oil well in the world, her title to the first in Ohio is indisputable for in a similar manner to the Pennsylvania discovery the Olive salt makers struck oil while boring a salt well in 1814. In boring for salt in Olive in 1814 Silas Thorla and Robert McKee struck both oil and gas, both of which the well continued to produce for as long as it was pumped for salt water. Gas pressure was very powerful but much stronger at some times that at others. At intervals of a week or ten days the gas was forced so rapidly from the well that water was thrown 40 feet or more into the air. After the "Blowing" had ceased there was not sufficient pressure to force the water to the surface. While the gas was issuing from the well it was noticed that at a creek nearby bubbles of gas were being forced up through the water. The current of gas was sufficiently strong to burn steadily and brilliantly and on many a night it would blaze up 5 or 6 feet presenting the novel sight of a fire on top of a stream of running water. The flow of oil was also found to be intermittent and at times the oil was pumped from the well and thrown away. Many barrels of it were thus thrown into the creek and wasted because it interfered with the salt making.
In the REPUBLICAN of July 7, 1870 the following reminiscence of one of the old time salt wells is related on the authority of John McKee an aged pioneer. Mr. McKee states that he and a few others bored a well for salt water in the vicinity of where Olive village now stands. Before they had reached the salt water they struck a vein of oil then known as British oil. After passing through this oil vein a short distance salt water was reached, a pump put in and the manufacture of salt begun. The company had no furnace but instead they borrowed all the iron kettles on Duck Creek, arranged them in double rows and made salt sufficient to supply the inhabitants of this thinly settled region. The fires under the kettles were never allowed to go out but blazed brightly day and night, some member of the company attending to them each night. Sufficient salt water was pumped during the day to supply the watcher at night. One night it fell to the lot of Robert Caldwell to run the machine. Everything went well with him until nearly morning, when he found the water nearly exhausted and had to pump more. For this purpose he mounted a platform made of puncheons to reach the spring-pole. This brought him 8 to 10 feet above the ground and almost directly over the well. In order to have light upon his work he carried some blazing coals on a piece of hickory bark. But ere his task was half completed a live coal fell through the floor very near to the well, quite near enough to ignite the gas from the well. Mr. Caldwell said he saw a ball of fire rise upward while timbers cracked and irons rattled and his hair stood on end. Slowly this ball ascended being fully as large as a haycock until it reached the highest branches of hickory tree standing near and when it exploded making a noise equal to the loudest thunder. The noise was heard for 5 miles in every direction. Old Mr. Thorla who owned most of the salt well was sleeping at Col. Caldwell's a half mile distant. He heard the report and hastened to the spot and was most agreeably surprised to find all well. Robert Caldwell was not hurt but a worse scared man was never seen on Duck Creek.
In the name of God Amen. I Silas Thurlo of Morgan County and State of Ohio Being weak in body but of sound and perfect mind and memory. Blessed be Almighty God for the same, do make and publish this my last will and Testament in manner and form following: that is to say. First I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Susanna Thurlo all my Real and personal Estate so long as she shall live, subject to the following restrictions and legacies. First if she shall ever marry to hold only one third of my real estate and the household furniture of my personal estate. Secondly to my Executors to rent out my half of the salt works as they see fit, until all my just debts is paid after collecing my debts and selling what personal property they shall see fit to share. 3rd. After my debts is paid to give to each one of my daughters a large Bible that is to say Ruth McKee, Susanna Sweatt, Delia McKee, Rhoda Thurlo, & Louisa Thurlo and if my dear wife should die before Rhoda or Louisa is married they or either of them in that case to have as good fitting out as either of my daughters that is married, and that my dear wife is to what and how she sees fit any of my personal property and the income of my real estate between my children and after her decease my real estate and what personal property she shall have undisposed of to be divided equally between my sons, that is to say John Thurlo, Daniel Thurlo, Benjamin Thurlo, & Silas Thurlo. Also I request my Executors to give to the support of my Father & Mother if they ever should come to want in proportion with Benjamin & Richard Thurlo their sons a comfortable living and I do appoint my beloved wife Susanna Thurlo & Robert McKee whom I hereby appoint sole executrix & executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this third day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one. sighed sealed published and declared by the above Silas Thurlo in the presence of us who have hereunto subscribed our names witnesses in the presence of the testator. Silas Thurlo, Nathan Smith, Erastus Hoskins
The Thorla-McKee Salt works were in operation for twenty years and most of the trees in the neighborhood were cut down in the process. Neaby salt works were opened in the 1860's when salt was again scarce and selling for about $5.00 a barrel.
During the operation of the Olive Salt Works, gas and oil were periodically mixed into the salt water. At first the gas was burned and the oil discarded. Several residents apparently tried to use the oil as lamp fuel, but its high sulpher content produced black soot and smelled bad. At one point the local boys set fire to the oil floating on top of the water of a nearby stream. The resulting blaze was a half a mile long and must have been quite impressive to the residents.
Some of the locals dipped their blankets into the oil and collected it in bottles. This mixture of oil and water was sold as Seneca Oil, which cured whatever might be wrong with you.
Silas has also written an article which accounts his experience as a maple sugar maker. He was also a photographer and made crude whiskey which was sold in Zaneville, Ohio as "Old Thorla".
Report to Proprietors of Errol meeting in Hampton Falls, NH by Wm. Plummer. "Silas Thorla has a log house covered with spruce bark, (--) barn forty-eight feet long and thirty three feet wide; has cleared forty or fifty acres; has a number of acres of good wheat & rye growing; his fences have appearance of a negligent husbandman. Has a wife, one son, & 4 daughters.
In 'The Descendants of John & Abigail Thurlo', there's a copy of a record from "Sheriff's Office, Noble County, OH. T.M. Thurlow, Sheriff dated Caldwell,Ohio, Oct 30, 1905. "Record of Children of Silas & Susanna Thurlow". Lists 10 children. Notes Silas Thurlow born in Newbury, Massachusetts January 31, 1775. Susanna Thurlow was born in Baseumb, New Hampshire December 23rd, 1778. Age 76 Died in 1852.
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Mustered out 5 Dec. 1864
McDonald Thorla, 18, enlisted 26 June, 1861. Appointed Corpl. 1 June, 1866 Co. I 25th OVI. Mustered out with company.
Silas Thorla, 18, enlisted 6 July, 1863. Mustered out with company.
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